Onset of growth of bulbils in the field garlic (Allium oleraceum L.)

Authors

• Robin Sjöblom
• Helena Åström University of Helsinki
• Timo Saarinen University of Helsinki
• Carl-Adam Hæggström University of Helsinki

Abstract

The field garlic, Allium oleraceum L. (Amaryllidaceae), is a bulbous geophyte with a widespread distribution in Europe. The species mainly reproduces vegetatively by the formation of bulbils. Two cytotypes (tetraploids and pentaploids) with differing distributional patterns occur in Finland. A clear morphological difference between the two cytotypes can be seen in Finland, but in Central European populations no such difference has been reported. This study examined the onset of growth in bulbils and possible differences between the cytotypes. Bulbils for the experiment were collected from a mixed population with both tetra- and pentaploid plants and from a tetraploid population that has been observed to differ morphologically from other tetraploid Finnish populations. The results show that there is a difference between the timing of the onset of growth between the examined populations. The exhibited differences between the populations may indicate that the cytotypes are adapted to different winter climates. The atypical tetraploid population clearly differed from the mixed population and may thus be of a different origin than other Finnish populations. The atypical population could have been introduced with ballast. Further studies of plants of Nordic and Central European origin are needed to draw conclusions about the Nordic cytotypes.